Attention: The State Fair of Texas is known to cause joyous laughter, squeals of delights, and your kids asking if they can try everything. | Photo by FTWtoday
Big Tex. Fried foods. And a lineup of Texas music artists. All this can only mean one thing: The State Fair of Texas returns to Fair Park this Friday, Sept. 26.
With just three days until opening day, we’re giving you the rundown of what’s happening this year at Fair Park.
Hours, tickets, parking
The fair runs 24 days fromFriday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Oct. 19and the gates will open at 9 a.m.
Tickets + parking passes are available online. Admission costs $5-$25.
Parking is available on-site — it’s $30 at official fair lots. Check out directions to get to the gates.
Pro tip: If you arrive after 5 p.m., all guests will pay the price of a child’s ticket.
The concerts
More than 100 local and national performers will take one of three main stages this year. Your fair admission ticket will give you free access to all concerts. Check out the full list of performers.
Arlington’s Christmas wonderland Campo Verde will officially close — for the second time this year — after Christmas Eve. ICYMI, the Mexican bar and grill closed back in January, only to reopen six months later under the supervision of Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht. Check out highlights of its final holiday season. (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Shop
Dallas-raised, NY-based Lela Rose has set up residency inside Bowie House, offering whimsy, Western-inspired selections. The store is open Sundays and Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. + Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shop fall new arrivals. (Paper City Magazine)
Concert
Country-folk singer Colter Wall will open up the 2026 Auditorium Entertainment Series at Will Rogers Coliseum, marking his Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo debut. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Sept. 26 for his two-night show Jan. 23 + Jan. 24, 2026. (Fort Worth Business Press)
Money
The SEC is bound to approve the Texas Stock Exchange any day now — which means trading would start early next year. Learn more about Y’all Street.
Ranked
DFW International Airport just ranked No. 4 for overall customer satisfaction at a mega airport in North America. The study examined factors, including customers’ ease of travel and level of trust with the airport. What do you think DFW Airport needs to earn No. 1?
Number
$14,491. That’s how much the NFL has fined CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens each for a celebratory gesture they made during last weekend’s game versus the Giants. WFAA’s sports anchor Mike Leslie weighed in.
On Saturday, the TCU Horned Frogs dominated SMU 35-24 in the 104th and final Iron Skillet battle, now ranking No. 24 in the nation. Get game recaps and the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Big 12 and SMU Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
Think share certificates are confusing or restrictive? They don’t have to be. With $500 to start, flexible terms, and insured accounts up to $250,000, United Texas Credit Union makes it easy to grow your savings. Connect with a team member to get started.*
Shop
Feeling fall? Us, too — that’s why we’re shopping HSN’s fall finds like this autumn tray decor set. New customers can save $15 with code WELCOME25.*
Home
Better insulation means lower bills... and we’ll take all the cost savings we can right now.This retailer is offering a buy two, get two free special on new windows — helping you keep extreme temps out, costs low, and curb appeal high. See disclaimers for important consumer information.*
The Buy
Groupon is your ticket to unbeatable local experiences — think chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, and spa days that melt stress away. New deals boasting up to 70% local experiences drop daily.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Yesterday was the fall equinox, and right now, “first day of fall 2025” is trending on Google. I want to hear from our readers what might be on their fall bucket list, such as apple-picking or visiting a pumpkin patch. So, drop me a line.
For me, I’d like to go to a college football game and try a new seasonal recipe. I think I’ll try my hand at a pumpkin loaf with cream cheese frosting. Stay tuned.
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